Malcolm Edwards, Artistic Director for Loreal Professional is inspiring and genius. I wanted to share with you how and who Emmanuel Salon gets their inspiration from. Here is an article on the web site Headfirst, interviewing the Mad Master.
Headfirst puts super stylist Malcolm Edwards in the hot seat
First shoot…
It was a long time ago – I was only 18 or 19. I was still working in a salon at the time. The shoot was for a Scottish club magazine called M8. The whole crew were really young, so it was pretty much a disaster for the most part, due to everyone’s lack of experience. We were shooting in the streets of Paris, I recall doing big hair in public toilets (what was I thinking?). It was my first time in Paris so that bit was fun.
The moment I decided to do session work…
I was twelve-years-old and sporting a bleached Mohawk at the time. I saw a documentary about backstage at fashion shows and I loved the creative chaos of it all and knew it was for me. I left school early to start work in the local trendy salon, but always with the intention of eventually doing hair for fashion shows and magazines.
All time favorite shoot…
It was an advertising job in Hawaii. We were shooting on top of volcanoes, way above cloud level, during sunrise and sunset. It was amazing; a truly magical experience. Everyone on the crew was really cool too, which was just as well because it was a ten-day job and the schedule was a ball breaker – but we all had the best time.
All time favorite show…
That always changes for me…I guess it’s just my evolution. I really loved working with Roksanda Illncic last season. I loved the way she interpreted the architecture of Brasilia into fabric with a chic, yet twisted result. I was really inspired and loved the hair we did for her show.
Source of inspiration…
I think if you have a creative brain, you constantly source your inspiration from everywhere. I’m lucky to live between London and NY, there’s a lot going on in both places. I can lose myself in bookshops for hours on end when I’m not working. I also like to reference art, movies, museums… it’s kind of endless really… and constant.
Lifesaver tool…
I love my comb brush – I’d be lost without it. You can only get them in Paris.Session trick… It’s all a trick or a cheat…we create illusions. Sounds a bit twisted when you look at it from that perspective!
the fashion world…
I love its diversity…and most of the people I work with. I hate the b*llsh*t!If I could work for any designer… It would definitely be John Galliano.Favourite autumn/winter trend… Dry, full, floaty hair – like the hair we did for Vivienne Westwood.
Favorite Fashion Week…
London for sure. There’s a buzz about London again – there’s lots going on and it’s creative. Everyone’s still relatively fresh when London is on but, by the time you get to Paris, everyone is fried!Favourite fashion city…
London hands down!Best way to unwind after Fashion Week…
In my bed…with my duvet over my head, no alarm clock (of course) and my phone switched off.My mentor…
When I was a young hairstylist back in Glasgow, Oribe was at the top of his game. He really inspired me – big time. But I respect a lot of people – Eugene, Guido, Orlando and Luigi – they are all amazing for different reasons.
Words of wisdom…
Assist someone you respect and are inspired by. Be open to learn. Be prepared to work hard.
Malcolm Edwards styles for L’Oréal Professionnel at London Fashion Week. His Autumn/Winter 08 shows included Amanda Wakeley, Aquascutum, Sinha Stanic and Vivienne Westwood…
